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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Best of Yatra 2011: Flashback

Yes, 2011 is all set to bid us Goodbye!

But before we close down the curtains... It’s time to pause and look back... time to muse over a pile of reminisces... time to thank for all the good it gave to us and time to pray for peace and a better tomorrow... It's time to relive an entire journey of 365 days in a few moments...

It's time to reflect and rewind, and to walk on the sand dune of memories…

Picked out from the archives, a recap of My Yatra Diary... January through December, 2011 compiled together in pictures accompanied with a short excerpt and the link of that article... Hope you enjoy going through it..

JANUARY

There is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather - John Ruskin

Living in a crowded suburb of Mumbai and having experienced the crowds first hand, I have to admit I had never seen anything like what was before me that day. The sheer number of people overwhelmed me...

One of the most awaited festivals – The festival of color, HOLI - is finally here! Today is Dhuleti and this post comes amidst all the vibrant fun and frolic, singing and merrymaking that's happening right now in many parts all over the country!

I stood there outside…starring at the temple for several long minutes...It’s a dream to be at this holy place and God calls only the lucky ones to His abode…The sound of my elders echoed deep in my ears… I felt highly blessed… for I felt like I was among the chosen few…

‘Bagha Bagha! Lalbaghcha Raja Disto Aahe!’ (Look! The Lord is now visible! ) It’s just 20 min or so in the queue… A glimpse so soon, How? I wonder. But a single step forward, a slight curve in the queue and yes, its indeed Him!

So, pack your bags and bundle up your woes… Get ready to join me, as I embark on a yatra (pilgrimage) of a slightly different kind… The Festive Ganesh Yatra… And let’s together enjoy this spirited carnival!

Many years ago, a solitary figure clothed in a loin cloth, firmly holding on to his stick of principles and ideologies, set out on an expedition…

On the 142nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, also fondly known as Bapu and renowned world over as The Father of the Nation, just spare a few moments to ponder on His wisdom, teachings and invaluable contributions to the rich history of India…

By the time, I climb back again, the sun is all set kissing the horizon and the steps are fully occupied. The chit-chatter amongst the crowd has risen substantially and so has the anticipation for the Ganga arti to commence.

Cards, letters, and poems - they were all there... Oh, when and how I had forgotten about them...?! Soon enough, I found myself buried in a heap of memories, going through the scribblings, chuckling to myself, getting reflective over some, while finding others quite childish. I ended up spending the whole afternoon rummaging through the letters that had gathered dust over time and found utmost joy in wiping them off. Ah... Memories!

Thus, If I witness celebrate this day today by writing this post, it’s only because of You... You have encouraged, supported and contributed to the growth of the diary… You are the reason it has all been possible! I have nothing more to say except a -- BIG THANK YOU!!!

A great and beautiful journey we did together! You share your experiences with such devotion and love with us..it's all your affection that bonded all of us in this beautiful journey of ''Our Yatra '' :)

Congratulations for such great achievements!Feel proud to say I have such a wonderful ,talented friend..so pure :)

If there was one Blog which caught my eye most then it was yours.Have seen how your blog has evolved during the course of time.Its one of the best travel blog we have around.Keep on posting and taking us to spiritual and religious Yatras.Happy New year : )

I wish this year will be the happiest and best for you!Looking back at the great journeys, I am welcoming a new year.I have learned so many things from your blogs and it is a true joy.Thanks a lot, Arti.keiko

A lovely year that has passed through your posts. Kudos. A very happy New Year to you and your family. The other day when I was somewhere near Udumalpet visiting a very larege Poultry farm/processing centre, I was thinking of you.

You so well covered up your Yatra of 2011.. I have been still by looking at the picture of the Sunrise at the Neelkanth Peak in Badrinath. Awesome. Continue to take us along with you in your amazing ventures in the coming year too. Love and hugsFarida

thanks for the refresher Arti. I have my favorites - Moody Weather, the sunrise on the Neelkanth Peak, and the beautiful waters of River Ganga. Most of all, Gandhi's words. wishing you all the best in 2012 Arti. take care now.

Arti, A wonderful way to wind up for the year...Reflective and engaging!I wish you the Very Best in 2012!Let it be filled with pleasant surprises and wonderful moments and Best of everything that your heart desires...Happy 2012!Loads od LoveDeepa

The wonder of words and photographs - it touched me, my dear Arti. Thank you for this experience. Reading your entries from January to December is like looking back at all the best memories. Happy 2012. Glad I found your site, so glad that I can read your stories and see your photographs. All the best, my dear friend.

wow..I'm very impressed with your blog. Beautiful photos and writing. Have found a few places of interest already just by going through your blog - am going to India for the first time in 2 weeks and am excited! Keep up the fantastic work!

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My Yatra Diary...

Hi there! I am Arti - a 20 something girl with an inherited travel gene, often found on the road travelling with my best friend, inspiration and guide - my father. I love travelling to spiritual places and consider my external yatras as continuous learning journeys within; a journey where I seek to discover and experience the real treasures of this life someday. Besides helping my own self, this blog of mine also aims to help those planning to make a trip to these places or simply provide a virtual tour to the rest.
If you have any queries, do leave a comment, I will be pleased to help!
You can also contact me at - 22arti@gmail.com